Unlocking the Potential: A Day with Dr. Temple Grandin

Part 1: Driving with Autism: Luncheon with SAPD

Last week Aspergers101 was proud to host a day of Autism awareness and enlightenment in San Antonio Texas. First we co-hosted a luncheon alongside San Antonio Chief of Police, William McManus regarding the
Driving with Autism statewide initiative. Over 25 law enforcement agencies were represented as well as city officials. All came together to hear about the new Texas driver license restriction code, Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer and how that may look in a pull-over scenario. Though Dr. Grandin’s plane was delayed, she made her entrance to speak to the officers just as the luncheon drew to a close..a great way to end on a high note!

Jennifer and Samuel Allen present understanding Autism and those with a communication challenge.

Dr. Temple Grandin stands alongside SAPD law enforcement

Jennifer Allen and Samuel Allen presented the impact of the Autistic Brain when encountering drivers displaying the new code. Below lists some of the topics covered to the full house of law enforcement officers:

Dr. Temple Grandin spoke on the importance of allowing the person with Autism the time to respond. “A person with a communication impediment is like a computer that slowly scrolls to catch up. You’ve got to allow them time respond when confronted with an officer of the law.”

Ron Lucey, the Executive Director of the Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities, provided the endorsement of the statewide program “Driving with Autism” and the hope of it’s future. He presented a proclamation, from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, to Jennifer Allen. The proclamation is proclaiming April Autism Awareness Month in the State of Texas.

Jennifer Allen

After an extensive career broadcast marketing, Jennifer and her husband searched for answers when their oldest son hit the kinder years with great difficultly. After finally learning that their oldest son had Aspergers Syndrome, she left her career in television and became a full time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her sons and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids (now distributed by Landmark Media) as well as her documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for school-age children diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome.
The need for more information encouraged Jennifer to elicit a team of autism experts to provide weekly, original content to a website free to anyone seeking to live their best under the diagnosis of High-Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome… appropriately titled: Aspergers101.com.

One thought on “Unlocking the Potential: A Day with Dr. Temple Grandin”

I am still trying to learn how to drive as an individual on the autism spectrum. I know that I am learning by going on the go karts anyways cause then it makes easier on you to learn how to drive a little quicker anyways when driving a real car. If only more of these autism driving programs would be implemented across the country where there is a huge autism population. Then it makes easier to ease the parent’s concern on their child on learning how to drive anyways. If more go kart tracks would be implemented across the country that it helps train individuals on the autism spectrum how to drive anyways. By training your child on how to drive through the autism driving program that it would help them become less dependent upon the parents anyways.

“Driving with Autism” Is Proudly Endorsed By:

Addtional Resources for Driving with Autism

While driving with the autism diagnosis is not for everyone, some may seek their independence by way of obtaining their driver license. You might be weighing this option for yourself or for your son or daughter, either way, you are probably seeking more information on the topic so in addition to our "Driving with Autism" section on Aspergers101, we offer the following resources.
Additional Resources:
DriveWise and Drive Advise - The goal of DriveWise at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is to provide objective information about driving safety while providing support for individuals and their families.
Teen Driver Source - If your teen is ready to drive, download the TeenDrivingPlan Practice Guide, an interactive resource based on years of research, to help you effectively supervise your teen's driving practice, and a Goal Guide and Logging and Rating Tool to keep you on track.
The Challenge of Driving with Aspergers - Insightful article by By John O'Neil from the New York Times.
Driving : The National Autistic Society - Applying for a Drivers License in the UK
Teaching the Person with Autism How to Drive - This article written by a parent and speech pathologist whose young adult son has been taught to drive shares what steps are necessary for teaching the person with autism to drive.
My Aspergers Child: Asperger Teen and Driving a Car - Driving Tips and national statistics for you to consider.
Is Your Asperger Teen Ready to Drive? - Craig Kendall, the author of The Asperger’s Syndrome Survival Guide, discusses (in part 1 of 2) the driving challenges for teens with Aspergers.

Dr. Temple Grandin endorses “Driving with Autism” initiative

Dr. Temple Grandin endorses “Driving with Autism” initiative

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